Colorado Study: New Packaging Fee to Double Landfill Diversion Rates


SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): According to findings of a key baseline study, the proposed packaging fee to fund Colorado’s recycling efforts is projected to more than double landfill diversion rates.

The lowest-cost scenario would raise $250 million by 2035 at a spending of around $110 per household, the baseline study found. The medium case would raise $260 million at about $120 per household. Also, the highest-cost scenario would raise $290 million at nearly $130 per household. 

The study noted that almost 96% of state residents have access to curbside trash pickup. However, only 68% of single-family homes are provided with curbside recycling. For multi-family units, the rate is even lower at around 60%. The utilization of packaging fees to introduce curbside recycling in more Colorado communities will significantly boost the landfill diversion rates, by way of doubling its recycling rates.

The plan will newly provide recycling access to at least 700,000 households in Colorado. Moreover, it will result in significant reduction of unnecessary packaging and consumption of more recyclable alternatives.

Several non-profit recycling services providers called for adoption of at least the middle-range scenario, as it looks reasonable and cost-effective.

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